Interview Preparation Workshop

1. Interview PreparationWorkshop

2. Key to Success One of the biggest mistakes made by job candidates is being unprepared or underprepared for a job interview.

3. Key to Success • To be better prepared for a job interview, you must: • Conduct research • Practice interview behaviors • Dress for success • Know what to expect • This workshop will make you aware of what you need to do before the interview, during the interview, and after the interview.

4. Before the Interview • This is misleading – the interview starts the minute an employer contacts you. • Answer the phone in a professional manner. • Be prepared to take notes • Instructions for the interview • Directions to the interview location • Rephrase the details to make sure you’ve understood the message. • The interview continues the minute you drive or step onto the employer’s property. • Be professional to everyone you meet.

5. Before – Research • Research the Position • Review the job description, job ad, or job posting • Review the documents you sent in response • Resume • Cover Letter • Application • Research the Career Field • Visit O*Net Online • Visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook • Conduct a general internet search

6. Before – Research • Research the Employer • Visit the employer’s website • Look for recent news stories about the employer • Visit the Better Business Bureau or the Local Chamber of Commerce or the local library • Talk to current and former employees • Scout out the location

7. Before – Research • Research Types of Interviews • Be familiar with the different types of interviews you may face. • Screenings / Phone interviews • Panel interviews • Behavioral interviews • Demonstration interviews • Group interviews • Talk to current and former employees. • Ask the hiring manager who set up the interview.

8. Before – Know What to Expect • Screenings / Phone Interviews • Screenings are used to identify qualified candidates. Your goal is to get a face-to-face interview. • Prepare for an on-the-spot interview • Have a copy of your resume in front of you. • Don’t eat, drink, or chew gum. • Avoid background noise. • Answer questions promptly, confidently, and with appropriate, professional language.

9. Before – Know What to Expect • Panel Interviews • Panel interviews are face-to-face meetings with representatives of the employer. • Prepare for a face-to-face interview • Have extra copies of your resume and any other documentation that you want to share. • Be aware that panel members may represent several departments or positions with the employer. • Treat all panel members with respect and a sense of importance.

10. Before – Know What to Expect • Behavioral Interviews • Behavioral interviews include questions about specific situations and your behaviors in those situations. • Prepare for situational questions • Answer questions with specific examples from your past experience. • Tell stories that emphasize your skills and abilities.

11. Before – Know What to Expect • Demonstration Interviews • You may have to audition for some positions. • Prepare for a demonstration interview • Ask for specific instructions about the topic, the environment, the people involved, and the time limit for your demonstration or presentation. • Ask about the equipment you will be using and ask what materials or equipment you should provide. • Do research on your topic or practice the skills you will be demonstrating.

12. Before – Know What to Expect • Group Interviews • Your interview may include other job candidates applying for the same position. • Prepare for a group interview • Maintain composure, even if you disagree with others in the interview. • Demonstrate your leadership and group-communication skills. • Pay attention to the interviewer in charge.

13. Before – Practice • Review questions from previous interviews • Think about your previous experiences. • Talk to others about interview questions. • Review questions from internet websites • Conduct a general search for interview questions – many websites offer advice for answering general and difficult questions.

14. Before – Practice • Become familiar with “illegal” interview questions and how to respond to them. • Employers should ask questions relevant to your ability to do the job • Employers should not ask about race, age, disability, family status, sex, birthplace, etc.

15. Before – Practice • A few strategies are available • Answer the question. • Refuse to answer the question or end the interview. • Ask how the question is relevant to the position. • Provide an answer that focuses on your ability to perform the duties of the position.

16. Before – Practice • Participate in Mock Interviews • Practice in front of a mirror – watch for nonverbal communication. • Record yourself and critique your performance. • Practice with friends and family and ask for suggestions. • Set up a more formal practice – Job Centers will assist in mock interviews.

17. Before – Dress for Success • Because you want to look your best at an interview, take time to prepare your clothing. • Consider these factors when choosing what to wear at a job interview: • Be conservative. • Be comfortable. • Be clean.

18. Before – Dress for Success • Be Conservative • Remember many HR or Hiring Professionals are “old school” and have preconceived ideas about interview clothing. • Wear solid colors unless a creative style is a part of the job. • Dress one step better than you would every day on the job. • Cover tattoos and remove piercings. • Avoid distracting clothing – too revealing or too busy/noisy.

19. Before – Dress for Success • Be Comfortable • Avoid clothing that is too tight or too loose. • Wear comfortable (and clean) shoes – you may get a tour of the facilities. • Be Clean • Wear clean, wrinkle-free clothing. • Avoid perfume and cologne. • Avoid smoking and eating/drinking before an interview.

20. Before – Other Tips • Set out clothes, documents, instructions, etc. before the day of the interview. • Get a good night’s sleep before the interview. • Arrive at the interview location 10-20 minutes early. • Go to an interview alone. • Turn off electronic devices (or leave at home). • Know the name of the person or department conducting the interview.

21. During – Be Friendly • Greet people with a smile and/or handshake. • Repeat a person’s name when you are introduced. • Don’t sit down until the interviewer indicates a seat. • Be prepared to make small talk – most interviewers will “break the ice” with talk about the weather, your drive to the interview, etc.

22. During – Be Professional • Use appropriate and correct language. • Don’t speak negatively about past employers. • Don’t reveal confidential information about yourself or past employers, clients, etc. • Don’t chew gum or eat; think carefully if a beverage is offered.

23. During – Be Thorough • Make sure you understand the question – ask for clarification or rephrase the question if you are unsure. • Answer the question fully but don’t add too much unnecessary information. Have examples and specific instances to share. • Ask questions of the interviewer – this gives you a chance to show off your research and knowledge.

24. During – Be Nonverbal • Maintain good eye contact with the interviewer(s). • Avoid nervous behaviors – rocking, tapping, shifting, leg-shaking, etc. • Use natural hand movements and gestures, but avoid choppy and large gestures. • Sit up straight. • Smile.

25. After – Follow Up • Follow up with correspondence. • Shows courtesy. • Gets your information on the hiring manager’s desk one more time. • Gives you a chance to revisit a question you might have answered poorly. • Gives you a chance to add information you may have missed during the interview.

26. After – Document • Make notes for future reference. • List names of people who conducted the interview. • Make note of your strengths and weaknesses. • Make note of unusual interview questions. • Write any other thoughts or “If I could do over…”

27. Questions